Army Reserve Spc. Benjamin James "Ben" Slaven

Army Reserve Spc. Benjamin “Ben" James Slaven, 22, Beatrice, died Friday June 9, 2006, in Iraq when his vehicle was hit by a roadside bomb. He was born March 20, 1984, in Fort Lewis, Tacoma, Wash. He moved with his family to Utah, then to Beatrice at the age of 2, living in the Beatrice, DeWitt and Plymouth areas. He attended Cedar Elementary School, Beatrice Middle School and Tri County High School and obtained his GED from Southeast Community College. He joined the United States Army, where he was serving in Iraq with the 308th Transportation Company, Lincoln, Neb. He was a member of St. John Lutheran Church, Beatrice. He enjoyed playing video games and restoring his 1946 Dodge pickup. He loved to visit his Grandpa and Grandma Slaven in Texas.

Survivors: mother, Judy Huenink and husband Nick of Plymouth, Neb.; father, Bruce Slaven and wife Julie of Beatrice, Neb.; sisters, Nicole Slaven and significant other, Andrew Landon, of Beatrice, Neb., Pfc. Misti Slaven of Fort Bliss, El Paso, Texas, Chastity Laflin of Plymouth, Neb.; twin brother, Sean Slaven of Beatrice, Neb.; grandparents, Bev Malchow of Beatrice, Neb., Charles and Marcelle Slaven of Galveston, Texas, Jean and Jack Johnson of Pensacola, Fla.; stepsister, Miranda Smith-Huenink of Henderson, Iowa. Preceded in death by his grandfather, Armin Malchow; sisters, Angela and Jennifer Frerichs; aunt, Mary Nispel.

Funeral: 3 p.m. Tuesday, June 20, 2006, St. John Lutheran Church, Sixth and Washington streets, Beatrice, Pastor David Kramer and Pastor Joann Kramer officiating. Burial will be at the Evergreen Home Cemetery, Beatrice. Family prayer service: 2:45 p.m. Tuesday in the church. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established to the family with the mortuary in charge. Military honors by Army 320th Ordnance Battalion and Nebraska Army National Guard. Closed casket visitation will be from 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday and 9 a.m.-noon Tuesday at the funeral home. A guest book is available for signatures and messages of condolence online at www.harmanwrightmortuary.com . Harman-Wright Mortuary in charge of arrangements. (Paid)